Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Classroom Management

Explore simple, repeatable routines that help every student feel seen, safe, and connected—without adding another “initiative” to your plate. Using the BUILD framework (Boundaries, Understanding, Integrity, Listening, Dependability), participants will leave with concrete strategies they can plug into morning routines, transitions, group work, and restorative conversations.

You’ll leave with: a one-page “belonging plan,” sample check-ins, and easy language for behaviour as communication.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Morgane Michael

Grades: 1-8
Curriculum Area: Physical Health Education

Participants will actively explore a variety of play-based physical literacy games designed to build fundamental movement and socio-emotional skills. They’ll learn PISE’s Physical Literacy Principles, discover ways to modify activities and practice applying these strategies in real-time. The workshop also includes debrief discussions, allowing participants to share experiences from past PHE classes and discuss how to bring these ideas into their own teaching and leadership practice.

Supplies: Comfortable clothing you can move/play in and sneakers/running shoes.

Speaker:Kristen Wilson
Presenter: Pacific Institute for Sport Education

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: Cross-curricular with Science, Social Studies, and Health.

The forest is alive with opportunities for connection and nourishment. Simply spending time among the trees can positively impact overall well-being. In this workshop, participants will learn how to guide students through the seasonal cycles of nutrients available in the forest. Each season offers rich experiential learning, discussions on ethical harvesting (through the lens of classroom teacher), and meaningful ways to engage students with their local environment. These experiences help strengthen students’ relationships with the land, food, and community. Participants will also have the opportunity to create and taste locally harvested forest teas.

Supplies: A mug for tea. 

Speaker: Liz Bueckert

Grades: K-3
Curriculum Area: Math

Come and join in a conversation about exploring mathematics in the early years! In this interactive session, we will dig into a variety of intentional routines that bring joy, curiosity, and meaningful thinking into primary math spaces. Together, we will try out accessible, low-floor/high-ceiling practices that support number sense, encourage student voice, and help our youngest learners develop confidence as mathematicians.This session is designed to leave you with practical ideas you can use right away to build community, spark discourse, and nurture capable, joyful K–3 mathematicians.

Supplies: None.

Speaker: Kevin Dent
Presenter: BC Association of Math Teachers

Grades: 6-12
Curriculum Area: French

This workshop offers teachers a powerful tool for building vibrantly intersectional and inclusive French classrooms : the history of the Franco-columbian pride flag, the first Francophone pride flag produced by students in consultation with First Nations and Métis communities, and the only one to be produced here in Victoria! This workshop will explore how the flag supports discussions on core competencies like personal and social responsibility, positive identity, and creative and critical thinking. Participants will receive a unit plan that includes resources to support student-led inquiry, assessments, and authentic Francophone texts (both written and spoken) from youth in BC. The unit plan includes links to free video and audio resources that reinforce students' understanding and appreciation of the significance of this flag through the prism of historical thinking concepts (like cause and consequence, primary sources, relevance, continuity and change or ethical implications). The plan concludes with documents to support teachers in producing their own identity construction project with students, and these documents can easily be scaled to support a school-wide project.  My workshop supports SOGI-inclusive,  Indigenized and place-based approaches to French language teaching, and can be useful for French Immersion teachers who teach Social Studies, Art, or Social Justice. 

Supplies: Laptop.

Speaker: Elizabeth (EJ) Rush

Grades: K-3
Curriculum Area: French

Le français oral est important pour tout les sujets. Que ça soit les mathématiques, les sciences sociales, les chansons, les sciences etc, il faut développer les compétences orales des élèves avec le français oral. 

Dans cet atelier, vous allez explorer un aperçu des initiatives orales du SD61. Nous explorons un peu de recherche du guide de lacquisition et de l'enseigement oral par deux chercheuse Josée Le Bouthillier et Renée Bourgeoin. Ensuite nous allons partager des débuts de phrases et des activités en français (chansons, sciences sociales et les mathématiques). 

Oral French is important for all subjects. Whether it is mathematics, social sciences, songs, science, etc., students must develop their French oral skills . 

In this workshop, you will explore an overview of oral initiatives of School District 61. We are exploring some research on the acquisition guide and oral information by two researchers, Josée Le Bouthillier and Renée Bourgeoin. Then we will share beginnings of sentences and activities in French (songs, social sciences, and mathematics). 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Brittany Johnson

Grades: 4-12
Curriculum Area: ADST - Home Ec

In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the art of macramé while creating a small keychain using simple knots and cotton cord. Through step-by-step guidance, teachers will learn how to introduce fiber-based projects that promote mindfulness, creativity, and fine motor development in Grades 5–12 classrooms. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to make and experiment!This session highlights how macramé can support focus and well-being while aligning with ADST, Art, and Core Competencies such as Personal Awareness and Responsibility. Participants will leave with a completed project, printable instructions, and ideas for scaling or adapting the activity for different grade levels and subject areas.

Supplies: None.

Speaker: Joninne Pinnell

Grades: 6-12
Curriculum Area: Physical Health Education

In this workshop, an Island Health Regional Harm Reduction Coordinator and School Health Promoter will provide an overview of the toxic drug crisis, contextualizing it from the health authority to local level including among youth through a public health lens. We will then explore the risk factors contributing to substance use and related harms. Subsequently, we will discuss different strategies for preventing or reducing personal harm from substance use, especially among youth; and we will engage in a short group discussion/activity on how school communities can play a role as well as what they are already doing in addressing substance use and related harms among youth through comprehensive school health and substance use prevention approaches. We will conclude with how to respond to a suspected overdose with hands-on naloxone training and provide sources of health information, which will include local resources and support for youth. 

Supplies: None.

Speakers: Alicia Parayno, Jenna Patterson
Presenter: Vancouver Island Health

Grades: 6-12
Curriculum Area: ADST

Bring your ideas to share with other Tech Ed teachers regarding low cost, sustainable ADST projects made from metal, wood, recyclables, or whatever else you've been able to scrounge. Sharing of ideas, projects, plans, and tips are all appreciated.

Supplies: Bring lessons/materials to share, if possible. 

Speakers: Mark deLeeuw & Stew Wheeler
Presenter: SD61 Tech Ed LSA
 

Grades: K-8
Curriculum Area: Arts - Dance

This workshop will provide teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to teach their own Hip Hop Dance workshop or unit to their students. Teachers will learn a brief history of Hip Hop dance, warm-up and movement exercises, basic foundations and grooves and a short routine will be learned. This workshop requires active participation. Teachers will be dancing; please wear clothing you can move in and runners on your feet. A hand out with workshop content, music suggestions and more will be provided. 

Supplies: Comfortable clothing you can move in. 

Speaker: Chelsea Giordano

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Indigenous Perspectives

Explore practical ways to integrate Indigenous perspectives on wellness, balance, and interconnectedness into teaching and learning. Participants will gain tools to strengthen personal resilience, support student well-being, and nurture classroom environments rooted in compassion and respect.

Supplies: None. 

Speaker: Ricky-Lee Watts

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Classroom Management

Explore simple, repeatable routines that help every student feel seen, safe, and connected—without adding another “initiative” to your plate. Using the BUILD framework (Boundaries, Understanding, Integrity, Listening, Dependability), participants will leave with concrete strategies they can plug into morning routines, transitions, group work, and restorative conversations.

You’ll leave with: a one-page “belonging plan,” sample check-ins, and easy language for behaviour as communication.

Supplies: None. 

Speaker: Morgane Michael

Grades: K-3
Curriculum Area: Core Competencies and Outdoor Learning

Join us for an engaging and practical workshop where we will dive into our BC core competencies and explore how they can be enriched through outdoor classroom experiences. In this session, we will investigate strategies to elevate our core competencies-Communication, Thinking, and Personal and Social Responsibility- by integrating nature-based learning. Participants will learn how to effectively scaffold these competencies throughout the academic year, ensuring a progressive and comprehensive development of student’s skills and abilities. Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and practical examples, you will be equipped with the tools and inspiration to transform your outdoor classroom into a dynamic and enriching learning environment that fosters growth in all core competency areas.

Supplies: None. 

Speaker: Lauren Maclean

Grades: K-5
Curriculum Area: Arts - Music

Did you know that music education is an amazing tool for supporting numeracy, literacy, social studies, and science?  Indigenous worldviews encourage us to look at teaching students from a holistic perspective, thinking beyond curriculum boundaries.  In this session we will explore the purpose of music education, basic fundamental music skills, and how these skills relate to other subject areas.  We will also be exploring how to implement the First People’s Principles of Learning in music education.  Cross curricular connections will be made between music education and other subject areas.  The following practical lessons will be discussed with ideas on how they can be adapted and implemented in your classroom: "How does music connect to me? - A Grade 5 inquiry project on hobbies.", "Finding Self: Connecting Ancestry to the Arts - A Grade 4 ancestry inquiry project.",  "Teaching Fractions Through Music - Grade 3 math lessons.", "Vibrations!  How do they work? - Grade 4 Science lessons.", "Music is Literacy! - Kindergarten/Grade 1 literacy lessons.", Plus: Ideas for taking music class outside.

Supplies: None.

Speaker: Becky Clark

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Socio-Emotional

VCAPCC recognizes that supporting the academic and social-emotional needs of youth in our community schools is a significant undertaking. Added complexities such as changing family systems, trauma and abuse, mental health issues, and unhealthy societal influences can shift school cultures, relationships, and impact the daily functioning of our students and classroom dynamics. These pressures accumulate, and at times accessing the strategies and knowledge we already have can feel challenging for educators, administration and support staff. Staying current with best practices, next steps, and local resources can be overwhelming.

VCAPCC is the primary provider in Greater Victoria of therapy and victim services for children and youth who have experienced abuse. The Centre is Victoria's only non-profit agency dedicated to the treatment and support of child victims of abuse, and the prevention of child abuse in all forms. Through our Child and Youth Advocacy and Counselling Centres locations in Victoria and the West Shore, we provide support to more than 400 children and youth (between ages of 3-18) each year who have experienced or been affected by abuse. Our staff work with schools, police, and professionals in family services, child protection, special needs, and other areas to ensure a coordinated, holistic approach to supporting children and families. Agency services are accessible, inclusive, equitable, and culturally safe, and consider the accommodation of diverse needs.

Join the staff of the Victoria Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Centre for a workshop that aims support school teams
1)        Gain clarity on the signs and symptoms of abuse and concerning sexualized behaviours for high risk and/or vulnerable;
2)        Discuss effective ways to receive and support student abuse disclosures; 
3)        Review the requirements of the Duty to Report and Consent laws; 
4)        Learn about and feel confidence in the referral process to VCAPCC. 
5)        Participate in creative exploration of approaches to collective - care… a responsibility for educators and students alike.

Supplies: If the participants have special mark making tools (i.e. fancy gel pens, etc) that they enjoy using, they are welcome to bring those!

Speaker: Shawna Herlinveaux
Presenter: Victoria Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Centre

Grades: 4-7
Curriculum Area: ADST - Tech Ed

This session introduces participants to coding through an exploration-driven approach that emphasizes questioning, experimentation, and problem-solving. Participants will develop an understanding of algorithms and examine how they can be applied to generate visual art in Scratch. Rather than relying on pre-written code, participants will engage with a variety of tools and functions to design and refine their own original creations!

Supplies: Laptop

Presenters: GeeringUp UBC Team

Grades: 9-12
Curriculum Area: Math

Instructional routines are specific and repeatable designs for learning. Their predictable structure lets students - and teachers! -pay less attention to “What am I supposed to be doing?” and more attention to mathematical thinking. When launched in the first few moments of class, these routines, unlike traditional warm-ups (e.g., going over homework), capture the attention of students and prepare them for the lesson ahead. In this workshop, participants will explore and discuss a variety of routines that engage students in Curricular Competencies - the doing of mathematics here in BC. Each of these routines can be be implemented across different grades (or courses) and mathematical content.

Supplies: None

Speakers: Chris Hunter, Marc Garneau
Presenter: BC Association of Math Teachers

Grades: 11-12
Curriculum Area: Social Studies

With the Prime Minister recently stating that Canada is the most-European non-European country, many around the country might want to learn more about the European Union. Furthermore, given the geopolitical changes, some surveys have suggested that Canadians would be happy to join the European Union (EU). This workshop consists of a lecture and some breakout groups with activities to work the content. The instructor is a Full Professor of Political Science at the University of Victoria. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Amy Verdun

Grades: K-8
Curriculum Area: Physical Health Education

This workshop will explore the concept of physical literacy and examine how developing students’ confidence, and competence in movement skills can significantly enhance their motivation to engage in physical activity. Educators will gain practical strategies to create supportive, inclusive environments that foster long-term participation and a positive attitude toward physical activity. Together, the group will examine common challenges and barriers that may impact student motivation and engagement in physical activity. Participants will consider how to meet students where they are at by understanding their needs through a holistic lens. This session will also offer practical strategies to support and inspire students along their physical literacy journey.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Dwayne Roberts
Presenter: ISPARC

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: Inclusive Education

In this workshop, we will provide you with strategies for teaching in a differentiated way that does not require creating separate lesson plans for individual students. Open ceiling activities that are used with our gifted learners allow them to enrich and extend their learning and offer entry points along the way for our more typical learners, as well as those that struggle. Good for gifted equals good for all! 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Trish Summers
Presenter: SAGEBC 

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: Math

What can we do in math class that support a conceptual understanding of fractions rather than a reliance on procedures? This session will introduce teachers to core concepts and tasks that will help students gain understanding and work confidently with fractions, while examining what makes fractions challenging for students. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Susan Robinson
Presenter: BC Association of Math Teachers

Grades: 6-12
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts

Join me on the dark side of story...This interactive, genre-bending workshop dives into the craft of writing horror by unpacking the tropes that terrify us, the fears that keeps us up at night, and the story structures that make nightmares stick. Together, we’ll analyze chilling examples from film, dissect what makes them work, and then craft a complete outline for our very own horror movie—starring you and your fellow attendees. Equal parts craft session and creepy fun, this workshop blends storytelling principles with a horror twist. Not for the faint of heart!

Supplies: None

Speaker: Andrew Buckley

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Indigenous Perspectives

Explore practical ways to integrate Indigenous perspectives on wellness, balance, and interconnectedness into teaching and learning. Participants will gain tools to strengthen personal resilience, support student well-being, and nurture classroom environments rooted in compassion and respect.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Ricky-Lee Watts

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts

Literacy instruction in Grades 4-8 is complex due to the wide range of abilities in the classroom. This workshop provides the “why” and the “how” of literacy instruction for upper elementary and middle school students. Target concepts are vocabulary, morphology, decoding multisyllable words and spelling, with additional strategies and activities to use for comprehension and fluency. Teachers will leave inspired and equipped to do this work in their classrooms the following day!

Supplies: None

Speaker: Heather Wilms
 

Grades: 4-12
Curriculum Area: Science

The Salish Sea with its surrounding lands and rivers is home to countless species, and thousands of years of culture and history. We live in a spectacular place worth protecting - a value we want to reinforce in the youth of our community.
This workshop provides a taste of our award winning “Exploring the Salish Sea” program. It immerses participants in experiential learning reviewing the cultural and natural history of the Salish Sea. This program incorporates both physical and emotional connection to place. 
Since 2018, more than 8,000 students have gone through this program and become Ambassadors of the Salish Sea. Working with our community partners, Eagle Wing leads the floating classroom as a non-profit program with the goal of allowing any student or school to participate.
Once onboard one of our floating classrooms, we will present all aspects of the program and handout worksheets that will help teachers incorporate the program into their curriculum.
We will finish the workshop on the Salish Sea and touch on the importance of various ecosystems, visit areas with cultural significance and try to show the natural history of the Salish Sea! Through this experience, you will be interacting with our on board educators about how you can create your own program. 
It is important to note that this is not a whale watching tour. This is an opportunity for teachers to incorporate place based and experiential learning into their curriculum. A chance to enhance your knowledge about our local ocean wildlife and the people that live here.
Please be prepared to go out in all weather conditions. This includes rain and wind. We advise you to dress warm (like you are going skiing) and wear appropriate footwear ( no sandals, heels, open toed shoes). No food is provided. We encourage you to bring snacks and a reusable water bottle.

Supplies: Warm and waterproof clothing including a hat, gloves/mitts, and sunglasses, phone to scan QR codes, water bottle

Speaker: Sydney McCabe
Presenter: Eagle Wing Tours

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: ADST

Have you ever wondered how to go about running a robotics team?  Do you like the idea but are afraid of the programming aspect?  This is the workshop for you.  Tina O'Keeffe has been leading the Esquimalt Atom Smashers Robotics for 8+ years at Esquimalt High School.  Our students compete with two different levels through FIRST robotics.  This year a few dedicated team members mentored MacCauley Elementary with their new teams for Lego League.  This workshop will have a short introduction of robotics in schools, continuing into a complete hands-on session for participants to experience the joys and woes of programming with Lego robotic kits.  

Supplies: Bring your curiosity and imagination

Speaker: Tina O'Keeffe

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts

Literacy instruction in grades 4-8 is complex due to the wide range of abilities in the classroom. This workshop provides the “why” and the “how” of literacy instruction for upper elementary and middle school students. Target concepts are Vocabulary, Morphology, Decoding Multisyllable Words and Spelling, with additional strategies and activities to use for Comprehension and Fluency. Teachers will leave inspired and equipped to do this work in their classrooms the following day!

Supplies: None

Speaker: Heather Wilms

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: Cross-Curricular: ADST - Tech Ed / Arts - Visual / Technology / Math

Have you ever wanted to integrate tech, art and math all into one lesson. This workshop will help you be able to learn how to do 3D print designs. This workshop is easily adaptable for all ages. I have taught this to kindergarten students with adaptations as well as to university students. This workshop will be hands-on experiential learning working with TinkerCad which is a design software, no experience necessary. All that is required is a device, IPad, tablet or computer. 

Resource to be shared: https://3d-education.github.io/3d-printing/ 

Supplies: Please bring a device (ipad, tablet or computer)

Speaker: Brittany Johnson

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: School Counselling

In this small group experiential session, participants will be briefly introduced to the connections between sand tray, the brain, self-regulation and polyvagal theory. Through learning and applied practice, school counsellors will strengthen their confidence to offer sand tray to their students as a safe and contained opportunity for self-exploration and self-expression, promoting positive growth and development. Counselling skills of attuning, tracking the client and their body, describing the tray, creating and modelling metaphor, and beginning and ending sessions will be developed in this 90 minute session offering three practice opportunities within the triad practice model. This offering is largely based on the work of Dr. Madeleine DeLittle and the Neuroscience and Satir Model (NSST) and is an introductory offering and not a certified training. 

Supplies: A sense of curiosity, willingness to learn, and be vulnerable.

Speaker: Katie DeReus & Lexa Villette
Presenter: BC School Counsellors Association

Grades: 4-12
Curriculum Area: Outdoor and Environmental Education

This is an opportunity for those teaching outdoor education or who want to teach or build an outdoor education class or program to come together and create a community of practice. We will meet and network with other like-minded people in our region, share those questions that we have for each other and delve into solution building. Topics related to outdoor ed may include: inclusion, finances, costs & fundraising, logistics, programming, risk management and policy, building community, environmental stewardship or anything else you need or want to know!

We will start together and then divide based on appropriate school level and interests.

This workshop is hosted by the Salish Sea Environmental Education PSA, a local chapter of EEPSA. 

Supplies: Any prior knowledge, but not required.

Speakers: Chloe Faught, Dayna Christ-Rowling, Kiersten Brookes
Presenter: Salish Sea Environmental Educators PSA

Grades: 9-12
Curriculum Area: Arts - Dance

This workshop is for Secondary Dance Teachers. Dance Experience required. This workshop is an opportunity for Dance Teachers to be the student and take a fun dance class. The class will consist of a warmup, crossfloors and choreography in a hybrid of Jazz and Contemporary styles. There will also be time for an open discussion on any topics the teachers want to explore. Please wear dance clothing and footwear of your choice. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Chelsea Giordano

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: Math

Area models can be used to make connections across mathematical topics both within and across the grade levels. In this workshop, participants will explore how area models support students' understanding of content areas such as multiplication, identify relationships in visual patterns, and strengthen curriculum competencies such as problem solving and reasoning through Area Mazes and other applications. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Richard V. DeMerchant
Presenter: BC Association of Math Teachers

Grades: 9-12
Curriculum Area: Science

Are you looking for alternative secondary science classroom activities that bring joy to learning and foster collaboration?  Using games can be an effective way to engage learners, encourage critical thinking, deepen understanding, and improve retention through a lively environment.  The games and hands-on activities uploaded onto our resource sharing website, focus on deepening understanding and improving science proficiency using a multi-sensory approach.  The specific games presented in this session will address some of the more difficult secondary science concepts such as the action potential, macromolecules, lung capacity, protein synthesis, the synapse, blood donation, mole calculations, solubility, acid naming, organic compounds, the Spontaneity Rule and ionic compounds.  The templates for these games and many more resources are available for free following an online request to join the website.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Rachel Toews

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Indigenous Perspectives

Rooted in Nuučaan̓uł teachings, this session invites participants to explore how respect and
interconnectedness can guide educational spaces toward belonging, reciprocity, and collective
growth. Through story, reflection, and dialogue, we uncover how these values can strengthen
both personal practice and community connection.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Ricky-Lee Watts

Grades: 4-12
Curriculum Area: Cross-curricular

I will guide you through the basics of making a pine needle basket and you will come away with either a little one finished, or a larger one in progress.  While we are creating, we can talk about a number of weaving methods using different plants, many of which you will be able to gather from the land around you, many of which are invasive to this land.

With gentleness, we can bring our stories, thoughts and questions around using plants, skills, and styles that are not Indigenous to our own ancestry (and which ones are), appreciation vs appropriation, and how to move forward reclaiming our functional relationship with plants for ourselves and our students, while being aware, respectful, and harmless to the land we are on and the people who are indigenous to here. 

I will also show you how to make cordage.  Cordage is a small, strong rope made from plant fibre - a technology that our ancestors from around the globe utilized in many areas of daily life.  Making cordage is quite basic and can be very satisfying to do.  Children who have fine motor abilities are able to make cordage, and once they get the hang of it, it can be a calming and rewarding fidget for those who need to keep their fingers moving while listening - akin to the regulating process of knitting, but much easier.

All abilities and experience levels welcome! If you are an experienced basket weaver, or have made things from plant fibre, please bring your knowledge to share, and items for our 'show and tell' table. This could be sharing things you've made, harvested, or any books/resources. 

Supplies: scissors, thimble, needle nose pliers, dish/hand towel

Speaker: Gina Chase

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Socio-Emotional

This session reframes wellness as something you build alongside your students, not just on your own time. Using the five pillars—Reflect, Reframe, Refocus, Reconnect, Reveal—Morgane shares quick co-regulation practices, mindfulness moments, and resilience tools that fit inside actual class time.

You’ll leave with: a menu of 2-5 minute practices, reflection prompts, and social connection activities that support both your nervous system and your students’.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Morgane Michael

Grades: K-8
Curriculum Area: Physical Health Education

Historically, movement has always played a vital role in Indigenous culture. For many Indigenous communities, living on the land required regular physical activity as part of daily life. Movement was more than just exercise, it was considered a form of natural medicine supporting physical, mental and spiritual well-being.Through everyday active living, Indigenous Peoples developed strength, agility, flexibility, patience, hand-eye coordination and endurance while also fostering a strong sense of community and cooperation.When students participate in traditional Indigenous games, they are engaging in more than just physical activity, they are connecting with culture. These games are deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions, values, and teachings that have been passed down through generations. They provide students with a meaningful opportunity to experience the richness of Indigenous culture through movement.Participants will get hands-on experiential learning of Traditional Indigenous Games.  The History, Philosophy, and Origin of the games.  Participants will learn how to make traditional Indigenous games equipment.

Supplies: Gym attire/comfortable clothes to move in and runners

Speaker: Dwayne Roberts 
Presenter: ISPARC

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: ADST

This professional development workshop supports teachers in strengthening assessment practices within the ADST curriculum through hands-on engineering activities. Participants will explore practical assessment tools and strategies aligned with the ADST learning standards and the design process, with a focus on assessing skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and iterative thinking. The session models assessment for learning in action, providing educators with adaptable tools they can confidently apply in their own classrooms.

Supplies: Laptops

Speaker: UBC Geering Up

Grades: 8-12
Curriculum Area: Physical Health Education

An Island Health Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) and School Health Promoter will start off the workshop exploring what a healthy relationship looks like (and related topics, e.g. consent, boundaries); and discuss teacher resources and strategies on developing and maintaining healthy relationships. We will engage participants in a brief brainstorm activity on how any school staff member and the wider school community can help to promote and model a culture of healthy relationships in the school setting. 
Subsequently, the FNE will then explore responding to student disclosures of relationship violence. An overview of current trends related to youth sexual assault & domestic violence will be provided. Then the FNE will describe support services such as Island Health's Forensic Nursing Service Program, as well as provincial legislation & school district policy requirements and considerations and engage with participants to explore and think about ways to respond with compassion and a trauma informed approach to an example scenario of a student disclosure. The FNE will also facilitate discussions with participants, giving them opportunities to ask questions or run through scenario(s) - whether previously encountered or hypothetical and explore them as a group. 

Supplies: None

Speakers: Alicia Parayno, Jennifer Hoffman
Presenter: Vancouver Island Health

Grades: 1-8
Curriculum Area: ADST - Tech Ed / Cross-Curricular / ADST - Computers / ADST - Other

Artificial intelligence isn't new, but generative AI is rapidly transforming how students learn and create. As educators, we play a crucial role in helping students navigate these tools responsibly through strong digital literacy skills. In this workshop, we will explore how students are already using AI, practical ways educators can utilize AI as a teaching tool, and strategies to encourage critical thinking about technology use. Digital literacy is about so much more than fact-checking-- it's about empowering students to engage with the world thoughtfully and critically. Together, we will explore resources that tackle the challenges and lean into the opportunities presented by digital technology and AI use in education.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Sandy Eix, Jennie King
Presenter: Science World

Grades: K-3
Curriculum Area: Social-Emotional Learning

In this workshop, we will dive into nature routines that help set up consistent and predictable structures for students, which is key to easing anxiety and creating a sense of safety in outdoor learning spaces. We’ll explore how to scaffold sensory learning experiences, gradually deepening students' engagement with nature. Together, we’ll play some of the sensory games that can be used to enrich your teaching and bring joy to your students.

There are countless benefits to playing, learning, and teaching outdoors. We will investigate how outdoor learning supports social-emotional growth and development. By incorporating nature into our teaching, we create spaces that nurture students’ self-awareness, self-regulation, and connection to others. Throughout the session, we’ll reflect on how these nature-based routines and activities can help foster emotional resilience and well-being, building a deeper connection between nature and social-emotional learning.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Lauren MacLean

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Indigenous Perspectives

Rooted in Nuučaan̓uł teachings, this session invites participants to explore how respect and interconnectedness can guide educational spaces toward belonging, reciprocity, and collective growth. Through story, reflection, and dialogue, we uncover how these values can strengthen both personal practice and community connection.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Ricky-Lee Watts

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Teacher Wellness and Classroom Management

This workshop will go over your career as a TTOC and how to navigate the many facets of it. There will also be practical guidance for building confidence, maintaining professional boundaries, and sustaining yourself in the early years of teaching.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Christopher McQuaid
Presenter: BCTF 

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Socio-Emotional

This session reframes wellness as something you build alongside your students, not just on your own time. Using the five pillars: Reflect, Reframe, Refocus, Reconnect, Reveal - Morgane shares quick co-regulation practices, mindfulness moments, and resilience tools that fit inside actual class time.

You’ll leave with: a menu of 2–5 minute practices, reflection prompts, and social connection activities that support both your nervous system and your students’.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Morgane Michael

Grades: 9-12
Curriculum Area: Cross-Curricular

Skill-based assessment is an approach that breaks complex curricular skills into clear, measurable learning steps that help both teachers and students understand and demonstrate progress. In this workshop, teachers will learn how to identify a specific skill from their secondary academic curriculum, deconstruct it into meaningful learning components, and translate those components into student-friendly “I can” statements that align with increasing levels of understanding. Using examples from Science and Pre-Calculus, participants will explore how content knowledge and curricular competencies work together to form a skill, how to design questions that accurately assess each level, and how to create assessments that support growth, clarity, and confidence in learning. By the end of the session, teachers will be equipped to implement skill-based assessment practices that make learning more transparent, targeted, and supportive for all students.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Jasmin McKenzie

Grades: 4-12
Curriculum Area: Social Studies

Join us to explore the World of Coffee. We will discuss the history, geography, socio-economic, and environmental impacts of growing coffee and the coffee industry. We will also do a coffee tasting and get to try various brewing methods. 

Supplies: Optional, coffee cup

Speaker: Patrick Gale

Grades: 4-10
Curriculum Area: ELL - English Language Learners / Second Language / Socio-Emotional

Three District MLL/ELL coordinators and teachers in Saanich, Sooke and Victoria collaborate to provide this session to any school staff who want to focus on discussing ways that we can all actively support, engage and facilitate the self-empowerment of newcomer and multilingual learners in our schools.

Supplies: None

Speakers: Jennifer Barber, Lindy Kovacik, Henrietta Langran

Grades: 6-8
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts

Looking for ways to energize your students’ writing and banish the dreaded “I don’t know what to write”? In this high-energy, hands-on session, you’ll experience a whirlwind of creative writing strategies that you can immediately bring back to your classroom. Through rapid-fire writing prompts, collaborative storytelling games, and time-based creative challenges, you’ll not only spark your own creativity—you’ll gather a toolbox of techniques designed to unlock student engagement, build confidence, and encourage risk-taking in writing. Every activity is built for flexibility and can be adapted for various grade levels, subjects, and timeframes. Sweat towels are encouraged.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Andrew Buckley

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: French

Get ready for a lively, hands-on session full of simple, low-prep, and low-cost games that boost learning and engagement. Discover easy activities that require little to no setup—just everyday classroom items like cards, dice, or whiteboards—and watch your students dive into meaningful review without even realizing how much they’re learning.

We’ll explore creative ways to bring classic childhood games into the classroom to spark motivation and give teachers a well-deserved breather. While the session is designed with  French as a Second Language classes in mind, these strategies are adaptable and effective across a wide range of subjects and grade levels.

Supplies: Optional: French/English dictionary (or any translation dictionary)

Speaker: Stephanie King

Grades: K-10
Curriculum Area: Arts - Dance, Physical Health Education

Get ready to break a sweat and bust-a-move as you learn simple steps from a variety of styles and student-centered topics, including our most requested dances featuring sports, TikTok, and video game themes, as well as music from Hip Hop, Pop, Latin, Rock, and Indigenous artists. This interACTIVE workshop will guide participants in developing Fundamental Movement Skills while keeping students active, boosting mental health, and fostering positive social skills in the classroom. Participants will actively engage in learning short dance sequences and creative movement activities designed for K–10 students. Hands-on practice allows educators to experience and immediately apply strategies that enhance coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and student expression. Throughout the workshop guided discussions will explore key topics such as: How can dance develop fundamental skills and SEL outcomes? What multi-disciplinary movements support teamwork and inclusion? How can movement be integrated into academic lessons to improve focus and well-being? Resources, sample lesson plans, and video demonstrations will be shared to support immediate implementation.

Supplies: Wear active gear and running shoes as well as bring a water bottle

Speaker: Tanya Parker
Presenter: PL3Y Education BC

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Teacher Wellness, Socio-Emotional

Designed for new, mid-career, and veteran teachers (and the mentors who support them), this session focuses on sustainable systems: clear routines, realistic planning, boundaries around workload, and relationship-building with students and families.

You’ll leave with: start-strong routines, goal-setting tools usable by both teachers and students, and mentor-friendly questions/checklists to support colleagues at any stage.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Morgane Michael

Grades: 6-8
Curriculum Area: Math

This session will give participants a chance to try several tasks used in a middle school classroom using Building Thinking Classroom routines. Tasks will be chosen with a low floor and high ceiling to make them accessible to all. Participants will have a chance to examine how these tasks can be extended to deepen student thinking. In this interactive session participants will be asked to share their ideas as we all learn together. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Richard V. DeMerchant
Presenter: BC Association of Math Teachers

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Indigenous Perspectives

This workshop is designed to bring knowledge of First Peoples way of learning, healing and governance, through story and sacred items typically only seen in museums. The Anishinaabe medicine bundle teachings are presented in an age appropriate language for K-12.  Participants will be able to touch and experience the teachings offered and understand the colonials history side by side with the rich history of the Indigenous peoples. The workshop begins with a focus on traditional peoples protocols, land acknowledgments. Participants will learn how to create their own heartfelt and purposeful land acknowledgement. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: James Taylor

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts

The enjoyment of reading is a critical component of the reading journey and yet we often do not consider independent reading as an instructional practice. There are multiple ways we can provide guidance and embed responses to text in order to lead students to deeper understanding and therefore greater enjoyment when “quiet reading.”

Supplies: None

Speaker: Heather Wilms

Grades: K-5
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts

Are you teaching phonics, but not seeing students apply what they know in their independent writing? This workshop demonstrates ways to incorporate multi-sensory techniques and strategies into your current phonics scope and sequence. You’ll leave with samples and techniques ideal for primary classes or to use with older, striving readers in intervention groups.

Supplies: Pencil crayons, glue stick, scissors

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Science

Gather with other interested educators to process seeds and start seed libraries. We will learn about growing for seed, crop diversity, seed processing and storing, and creating school seed libraries. Educators will also have time to connect to help grow school garden networks, supports, and resource sharing. 

Supplies: None

Speakers: Patrick Gale and Matthew Kemshaw  

Grades: 6-8
Curriculum Area: Socio-Emotional / Physical Health Education

The workshop will be run as if the group is a class of middle school students, with pauses in between hands-on activities to discuss the different ways they can be applied and student learning goals. Some examples of the activities are: A challenge for participants to try and separate themselves into two distinct groups, which will lead to a discussion about inclusion and diversity; a race in which everyone starts with different objects or articles of clothing, leading to a discussion about privilege, different definitions of ability, and the importance of working together; an experiment in which we will soak sponges in different colored liquids, and connect the effects to our own brains when we absorb information or substances; and a (miniaturized) game of dodgeball to visually understand how different safer sex tools work. In between these, I will be sharing classroom tools and strategies for approaching sensitive topics such as sexual health, mental health, substances and addictions in class. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Marlena Legault-Monton

Grades: K-8
Curriculum Area: Arts - Visual

A variety of mini-lesson plans and activity ideas will be demonstrated and shared with the attendees. These will focus on colour vocabulary, colour mixing, using complementary colours, colour and emotion, and other aspects of colour theory. There will be opportunity to discuss different ways to explore colour theory in the classroom and the art room, and examples of turning theory into artwork. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Brigid Skelton
Presenter: BC Art Teachers Association

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: ADST - Home Ec

This workshop invites teachers to slow down and experience the rhythmic, meditative process of weaving. Participants will construct a simple cardboard loom and create a small woven “mug rug” or wall hanging using yarn scraps and found fibers. As they work, they’ll explore how weaving can build creativity, patience, and focus in students—while connecting to Art, ADST, and Math outcomes.By experiencing the joy of tactile learning firsthand, teachers will discover how accessible and affordable textile projects can enhance student engagement, foster mindfulness, and bring calm energy into busy classrooms. All supplies, instructions, and classroom-ready templates are included.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Joninne Pinnell

Grades: 6-12
Curriculum Area: Career Education

It’s not just about the job you think you want—it’s about the person you want to become.The world of work is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and it can be challenging to guide young people through such uncertainty. One powerful approach is to focus on their strengths and the problems they feel called to solve.Join us for the interactive Finding Your People activity, designed to connect students’ talents and strengths with what gives their lives meaning and purpose. Every real-world challenge is tackled by people from diverse fields—builders, problem-solvers, creatives, organizers, communicators, and helpers—all working together. For instance, tackling ocean pollution requires collaboration across a variety of skills and perspectives, including marine biologists, engineers, policymakers, educators, and outreach specialists.This activity creates cross-curricular connections by turning any topic into a hands-on exploration of real-world problems—economic, social, environmental, or health-related.This workshop is ideal for educators and students in Grades 6 and up. 

Supplies: None

Speaker:Bonnie Alexander
Presenter: The Greater Victoria School District- Pathways & Partnerships (Career Education) department

Grades: 4-10
Curriculum Area: ADST - Tech Ed / Arts - Visual / English Language Arts

Get ready to blast off into a world where slides are anything but boring! In this hands-on, high-energy workshop, we’ll explore the untapped magic of Google Slides as a dynamic tool for learner engagement. From crafting eye-catching digital designs to creating mesmerizing stop motion animations, you’ll discover how to turn a simple slide deck into a playground of creativity.  Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, this session will equip you with ready-to-use templates, clever hacks, and inspiring ideas to captivate your students and make learning stick. Plus, we’ll dive into a treasure trove of free creativity resources that will supercharge your lessons and leave your learners asking for more.  Bring your imagination, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure—because this isn’t just a workshop, it’s a creative quest!

Supplies: None

Speaker: Emma Cottier

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Teacher Wellness

Voice disorders have a significant impact emotionally and financially for teachers as well as impact on student learning. As occupational voice users, teachers report a higher incidence of work-related voice problems and lack of regular voice care. If you miss out on reading to your kids at night or decline evening and weekend socials because your voice is too tired, this workshop is for you.Participants will learn about vocal health, tools for regular voice care and use, how to identify voice changes, and how to receive support for voice recovery. Vocal health handouts, and links to our favourite YouTube and Instagram accounts will be provided.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Susan Edwards
Presenter: Victoria Voice and Swallow Clinic

Grades: K-10
Curriculum Area: Arts - Dance, Physical Health Education

Get ready to break a sweat and bust-a-move as you learn simple steps from a variety of styles and student-centered topics, including our most requested dances featuring sports, TikTok, and video game themes, as well as music from Hip Hop, Pop, Latin, Rock, and Indigenous artists. This interACTIVE workshop will guide participants in developing Fundamental Movement Skills while keeping students active, boosting mental health, and fostering positive social skills in the classroom. Participants will actively engage in learning short dance sequences and creative movement activities designed for K–10 students. Hands-on practice allows educators to experience and immediately apply strategies that enhance coordination, balance, spatial awareness, and student expression. Throughout the workshop guided discussions will explore key topics such as: How can dance develop fundamental skills and SEL outcomes? What multi-disciplinary movements support teamwork and inclusion? How can movement be integrated into academic lessons to improve focus and well-being? Resources, sample lesson plans, and video demonstrations will be shared to support immediate implementation.

Supplies: Wear active gear and running shoes as well as bring a water bottle

Speaker: Tanya Parker
Presenter: PL3Y Education BC

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Teacher Wellness, Socio-Emotional

Designed for new, mid-career, and veteran teachers (and the mentors who support them), this session focuses on sustainable systems: clear routines, realistic planning, boundaries around workload, and relationship-building with students and families.

You’ll leave with: start-strong routines, goal-setting tools usable by both teachers and students, and mentor-friendly questions/checklists to support colleagues at any stage.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Morgane Michael

Grades: K-10
Curriculum Area: Indigenous Perspectives

This workshop is designed to bring knowledge of First Peoples way of learning, healing and governance, through story and sacred items typically only seen in museums. The Anishinaabe medicine bundle teachings are presented in an age appropriate language for K-12.  Participants will be able to touch and experience the teachings offered and understand the colonials history side by side with the rich history of the Indigenous peoples. The workshop begins with a focus on traditional peoples protocols, land acknowledgments. Participants will learn how to create their own heartfelt and purposeful land acknowledgement. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: James Taylor

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: ELL - English Language Learners / Second Language / Socio-Emotional

We will explore practical ways to connect with and communicate with our students from refugee backgrounds. We will also look at practical ELL strategies that have worked with our beginner students, whether in a full time ELL class or as part of a mainstream class. 

Supplies: None

Speaker: Kris Hull
Presenter: BC Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Grades: K-5
Curriculum Area: Cross-curricular; social studies

This hands-on workshop, hosted by Royal Roads University and the International Institute for Child Rights and Development (IICRD), introduces educators to engaging, play-based activities that integrate child rights into elementary curriculum. Drawing from the 7-year Child Thrive project and 5 years of collaborative research with teachers in Canada and Uganda, participants will experience practical, contextually relevant approaches to child rights education.

Throughout the workshop, teachers will engage with Rally for Rights, a co-created board game that brings child rights concepts to life through play. Teachers will also discover a collection of interactive resources including children's books, games, songs, and creative activities specifically designed for elementary learners. The session shares research-informed, evidence-based strategies for making child rights accessible and meaningful to students, while offering cross-cultural perspectives through tools that connect Canadian classrooms to global child rights issues.

This experiential and participatory workshop will allow teachers to actively engage with each resource, supporting educators to leave with ready-to-use materials and strategies to support classroom management, develop critical thinking skills and foster socio-emotional learning.

Supplies: None

Speakers: Kathleen Manion, Shelley Jones, Elaina Mack, Val Cortes, and Knowledge Keeper Kristi Bridgeman (TBC)
Presenter: Royal Roads University

Grades: 4-8
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts

The enjoyment of reading is a critical component of the reading journey and yet we often do not consider independent reading as an instructional practice. There are multiple ways we can provide guidance and embed responses to text in order to lead students to deeper understanding and therefore greater enjoyment when “quiet reading.”

Supplies: None

Speaker: Heather Wilms

Grades: K-3
Curriculum Area: Math

Mathematizing in the Early Years: Seeing the World Through a Mathematical LensMathematics lives in stories, nature, and the playful curiosity of young learners. In this session, we’ll explore how to nurture early mathematical thinking by mathematizing the world around us—from outdoor experiences and natural patterns to the pages of children’s literature. Discover routines and provocations that invite counting, comparing, patterning, and reasoning in meaningful contexts. You’ll leave with practical ideas and inspiration to help students notice, wonder, and make sense of the math woven into their everyday lives.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Kevin Dent
Presenter: BC Association of Math Teachers

Grades: 1-7
Curriculum Area: ADST - Tech Ed / Cross-Curricular / Outdoor and Place-Based Education / ADST - Computers / ADST - Other

In a largely digital world, it can often feel as though technology is taking our attention away from the outdoors. However, digital tools and AI can actually enhance students' appreciation and understanding of the environment. This workshop will explore how technology supports hands-on learning of content and skills in the BC science curriculum by helping students collect, analyze, and visualize data about the natural world. Using apps like iNaturalist and Seek, students can observe and document local species. Tools like TinkerCAD allow them to model patterns and structures found in nature. Many other powerful (and free!) digital resources are available to enhance learning in environmental and nature-based education. By integrating digital learning with scientific inquiry, we can inspire curiosity and deeper connections with the environment.

Supplies: Dowload  iNaturalist and/or Seek by iNaturalist onto a mobile phone or tablet

Speakers: Sandy Eix, Jennie King
Presenter: Science World

Grades: 9-12
Curriculum Area: Social Studies

The purpose of this workshop is to engage teachers in discussion about Fascism. With the situation south of the border deteriorating and history repeating itself in many ways, as well as with an increased focused on Holocaust education, it is necessary to consider our pedagogy and how we approach this topic. The main ideas of this workshop are the following. First, is to introduce teachers who might be new or unsure about fascism as a topic and need some ideas or a starting point. Second, is to create a forum for more experienced teachers to share their thoughts, experiences, lessons and ideas. This workshop will be in two parts. One half will cover and share ideas on how to teach about fascism effectively. The other half will be an open discussion and forum discussion teaching about fascism where people can share ideas, concerns, and thoughts.

Supplies: None

Speaker: Sam Klein-Laufer

Grades: 4-12
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts

Particularly in adolescence, students may have brilliant ideas, but a plethora of emotions and social anxieties preventing them from sharing.  To encourage speaking up in any class, this workshop will give you some warm-up activities and techniques that will help your students tiptoe towards the front of the class, increasing comfort and community.  From audience engagement exercises to performance games, you'll find an arsenal of activities to slowly ease your students out of their shell in whatever way feels best!

Supplies: Writing utensil and paper

Speaker: Miranda Krogstad

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Indigenous Perspectives

A closer look at who our Coast Salish people are. What nations reside here? What languages, cultures, and traditions do they have that make them different then other nations across Turtle Island (North America)? What stories have come from this land? How did our Coast Salish people survive and thrive on this land and its ecosystems? What are some struggles that are specific to Coast Salish peoples? 

Supplies: None. 

Speaker: Janine Bradley

Grades: 6-12
Curriculum Area: Social Studies

The Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre’s (VHEC) new online teaching resource Fragments in Focus: The History of the Holocaust is a fully bilingual website developed to align with the new learning standards of the BC Social Studies 10 curriculum. The Ministry of Education supports this work and is featuring Fragments in Focus as a resource for BC classrooms. This session will introduce teachers to the features of the Fragments website and provide practical strategies for engaging students in inquiry-based learning about the Holocaust, combining historical context with guided analysis of primary sources.Participants will receive classroom-ready lesson plans and resources and will cover:
• The Power of Objects: Teaching the Holocaust through Primary Sources
• Defining the Holocaust
• Using the Fragments in Focus website in the classroom

Supplies: None

Speaker: Lise Kirchner
Presenter: Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre

Grades: K-12
Curriculum Area: Music

Various workshops, likely at Esquimalt High School. Specific sessions and clinicians TBD. Proposed but not confirmed sessions include indigenous drumming, elementary music presented by BC Orff, double bass techniques, middle school music education resource sharing, and concert band rehearsal techniques.

Supplies: Depends on workshops

Speakers: DJ Locheed, Chris Leeson
Presenter: Greater Victoria Music Educators’ Association